Aligning Our Lives with God's Purpose for the New Year
Summary
As we step into a new year, our focus is on aligning our lives with God's vision and purpose. We are called to seek God's guidance and to channel our efforts in a focused direction, much like how water gains power when it is channeled. This year, we are encouraged to seek a "word from the Lord" to guide our actions and decisions. This involves prayerfully asking God to speak into our lives and setting boundaries that align with His will. By doing so, we can harness the power of the Holy Spirit to work in and through us.
In Luke 10:1, Jesus sends out His disciples with a specific mission, emphasizing the importance of going where He is about to work. Similarly, we are called to discern where God is leading us and to focus our efforts there. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that while we may have many plans, it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. By seeking God's word and aligning our lives with His plans, we can experience His power and impact.
Our church's vision is to connect the disconnected to Jesus, addressing areas of disconnection in our lives and the lives of others. This involves abiding in Christ, experiencing inner healing, building relationships, and following Jesus' way. We are called to be a multi-generational family on mission, preparing for a harvest of blessings and labor. This requires us to be open to change, flexible in our plans, and willing to step out in faith.
As we move forward, we focus on three key strategies: prayer, discipleship, and mission. We pray for God's Spirit to be poured out, for protection, and for laborers to join the harvest. We engage in discipleship, teaching others to follow Jesus, and we step out in mission, sharing our stories and God's love with the world. This year, we are preparing for a harvest, both in terms of blessings and the work required to bring it in. We are called to be bold, to trust God, and to make room for His power to work in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. Seek God's Guidance: As we enter a new year, it's crucial to seek a "word from the Lord" to guide our actions and decisions. This involves prayerfully asking God to speak into our lives and setting boundaries that align with His will. By doing so, we can harness the power of the Holy Spirit to work in and through us. [21:39]
2. Align with God's Purpose: Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that while we may have many plans, it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. By seeking God's word and aligning our lives with His plans, we can experience His power and impact. This requires us to be open to change, flexible in our plans, and willing to step out in faith. [24:24]
3. Connect the Disconnected: Our church's vision is to connect the disconnected to Jesus, addressing areas of disconnection in our lives and the lives of others. This involves abiding in Christ, experiencing inner healing, building relationships, and following Jesus' way. We are called to be a multi-generational family on mission, preparing for a harvest of blessings and labor. [36:38]
4. Focus on Prayer, Discipleship, and Mission: As we move forward, we focus on three key strategies: prayer, discipleship, and mission. We pray for God's Spirit to be poured out, for protection, and for laborers to join the harvest. We engage in discipleship, teaching others to follow Jesus, and we step out in mission, sharing our stories and God's love with the world. [43:04]
5. Prepare for Harvest: This year, we are preparing for a harvest, both in terms of blessings and the work required to bring it in. We are called to be bold, to trust God, and to make room for His power to work in our lives. By focusing our efforts and aligning with God's purpose, we can experience His power and impact in our lives and communities. [48:09]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [18:11] - The Power of Focus
- [20:03] - Limits and Boundaries
- [21:39] - Seeking a Word from the Lord
- [23:33] - God's Ideas Over Our Own
- [24:24] - Aligning with God's Purpose
- [25:49] - Preparing for Harvest
- [28:09] - Authority and Influence
- [28:50] - Humility and Receiving
- [30:17] - Flexibility in Change
- [32:00] - From Direction to Impact
- [33:59] - Holding Plans Loosely
- [36:38] - Connecting the Disconnected
- [38:25] - Addressing Disconnection
- [40:31] - Generosity and Need
- [42:15] - Five Circles of Connection
- [43:04] - Strategies for 2025
- [44:40] - Spiritual Protection
- [45:45] - The Plentiful Harvest
- [46:41] - Boldness and Mission
- [48:09] - Preparing for Blessing and Battle
- [50:03] - Responding in Prayer and Action
- [51:57] - Learning and Sharing
- [53:03] - Living on Mission
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 10:1
2. Proverbs 19:21
3. John 15:4-5
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 10:1, Jesus sends out His disciples with a specific mission. What instructions does He give them, and how does this relate to the idea of focusing our efforts where God is already at work? [23:33]
2. Proverbs 19:21 speaks about the plans in a person's heart versus the Lord's purpose. How does this verse emphasize the importance of aligning our plans with God's purpose? [24:24]
3. The sermon mentions the concept of "connecting the disconnected" to Jesus. What are some areas of disconnection identified in the sermon, and how are they addressed? [36:38]
4. How does the analogy of water gaining power when channeled relate to the sermon’s message about focusing our efforts and setting boundaries? [20:03]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to seek a "word from the Lord" as described in the sermon, and how can this practice help in setting boundaries and focusing efforts? [21:39]
2. How can the church's vision of being a "multi-generational family on mission" influence individual and collective actions within the church community? [36:38]
3. The sermon discusses the importance of prayer, discipleship, and mission. How do these strategies contribute to preparing for a spiritual harvest? [43:04]
4. How does the concept of abiding in Christ, as mentioned in John 15, relate to experiencing inner healing and building relationships within the church community? [38:25]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by your plans. How can you apply the principle of seeking God's guidance to focus your efforts in the coming year? [20:03]
2. Identify an area in your life where you feel disconnected from God or others. What steps can you take to address this disconnection and reconnect with Jesus? [36:38]
3. The sermon encourages being open to change and stepping out in faith. What is one area in your life where you need to be more flexible and willing to trust God’s direction? [24:24]
4. How can you incorporate the church's strategies of prayer, discipleship, and mission into your daily routine? What specific actions can you take to engage in these areas? [43:04]
5. Consider the relationships in your life. How can you build deeper connections with others to help them experience the love and healing of Jesus? [38:25]
6. The sermon talks about preparing for a harvest of blessings and labor. What practical steps can you take to be ready for both the blessings and the work that God has for you this year? [48:09]
7. How can you make room in your schedule to receive God’s guidance and blessings, as suggested in the sermon? What changes might you need to make to allow for this? [28:50]
Devotional
Day 1: Seeking Divine Direction
In the journey of life, seeking God's guidance is paramount. As we step into a new year, the call is to earnestly seek a "word from the Lord" to guide our actions and decisions. This involves a deep commitment to prayer, asking God to speak into our lives, and setting boundaries that align with His will. By doing so, we open ourselves to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to work in and through us. This process is akin to channeling water, where focused direction leads to greater power and impact. As we align our lives with God's vision, we find clarity and purpose in our daily walk. [21:39]
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Reflection: What specific area of your life do you need to seek God's guidance for today? How can you create space to listen for His direction?
Day 2: Embracing God's Sovereign Plans
Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that while we may have many plans, it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. This truth calls us to align our lives with God's plans, being open to change and flexible in our own agendas. It requires a willingness to step out in faith, trusting that God's ideas are greater than our own. By seeking His word and aligning with His purpose, we can experience His power and impact in our lives. This alignment is not about abandoning our dreams but about allowing God to shape them according to His will. As we do this, we find ourselves part of a greater story, one that brings glory to God and fulfillment to our souls. [24:24]
Jeremiah 10:23 (ESV): "I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps."
Reflection: What plans or dreams do you need to surrender to God today? How can you trust Him to guide your steps in these areas?
Day 3: Reconnecting the Disconnected
Our church's vision is to connect the disconnected to Jesus, addressing areas of disconnection in our lives and the lives of others. This involves abiding in Christ, experiencing inner healing, building relationships, and following Jesus' way. We are called to be a multi-generational family on mission, preparing for a harvest of blessings and labor. This mission requires us to be intentional about reaching out to those who feel isolated or disconnected, offering them the hope and love found in Christ. As we engage in this mission, we become conduits of God's grace, helping others find their place in His family. [36:38]
Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord."
Reflection: Who in your life might be feeling disconnected from God or community? How can you reach out to them this week to offer support and connection?
Day 4: Engaging in Prayer, Discipleship, and Mission
As we move forward, our focus is on three key strategies: prayer, discipleship, and mission. We pray for God's Spirit to be poured out, for protection, and for laborers to join the harvest. Engaging in discipleship means teaching others to follow Jesus, helping them grow in their faith and understanding. Stepping out in mission involves sharing our stories and God's love with the world, being bold in our witness. These strategies are not just tasks to be completed but are integral to our identity as followers of Christ. As we commit to these practices, we prepare ourselves and others for the work God has called us to. [43:04]
Colossians 4:2-6 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Reflection: How can you incorporate prayer, discipleship, and mission into your daily routine? What specific steps can you take to engage in these practices this week?
Day 5: Preparing for a Harvest
This year, we are preparing for a harvest, both in terms of blessings and the work required to bring it in. We are called to be bold, to trust God, and to make room for His power to work in our lives. This preparation involves being ready for both the blessings and the challenges that come with them. As we focus our efforts and align with God's purpose, we can experience His power and impact in our lives and communities. This is a time of anticipation and readiness, where we actively participate in God's work, expecting Him to move in mighty ways. [48:09]
Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to prepare for the harvest God has for you? How can you remain steadfast and ready for both the blessings and the work ahead?
Quotes
"Power without limits, without boundaries, will actually cause destruction. So we need the limits. The actual focus is what actually causes more power. When there's not limits and boundaries, that power can spread everywhere and it will destroy what stands in its path." [00:20:20] (25 seconds)
"The limits, the boundaries that we can actually put down is something that I've experienced as being called a word from the Lord. A word from the Lord, all right? That might be weird, new language for you. Here's what it ultimately is, saying, God, here I have a new year." [00:22:18] (18 seconds)
"God, what do you say about this? That's what we mean when we say we want to put limits and boundaries on power by going after a word. We're saying, God, would you speak into this? Luke 10, verse 1. This is some of the places where we've seen this happen before." [00:22:49] (15 seconds)
"Many are the plans in our hearts. Lord's purpose prevails. These are the things that we want to really, really go after. Why? Because there's power and there's impact there, and it also prevails. A word from the Lord grounds us in his unchanging truth." [00:24:37] (14 seconds)
"The word of the Lord remains forever. Things come, things go, but it's God's word. What he's speaking to us, it sets our course. It aligns us with his plans, not just our own. So how do we do this? I spend some time. I make some space. I'm asking." [00:24:55] (19 seconds)
"Starting last year, many of you may have heard this word, multi-generational family on mission. Like, God started speaking, hey, I'm bringing you together, and you're going to be a multi, a diverse family that is brought together by a common mission. That's the common tie that binds." [00:36:20] (19 seconds)
"Our calling is to address these seven areas of disconnection, both in ourselves and in others. Number one, people are separated from God. They're disconnected from God. This is what John 15 says, that we want to abide in him. We want to stay connected." [00:37:56] (16 seconds)
"Prayer. We are asking for God's Spirit to be poured out in a year that we are being prepared for harvest. We're asking for God's Spirit to be poured out and for spiritual protection. This is Joel chapter 2, verse 28. It says, it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh." [00:43:42] (21 seconds)
"Jesus, on the other hand, in Matthew 9, says the harvest is not only present, it's plentiful. That means that despite what you think, despite what it might look like, God is working in the lives of people. There is a harvest. And as laborers, we would see it." [00:46:24] (21 seconds)
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